Title: Reduction of perpendicular-to-grain stresses in the apex zone of curved beams using glued-in rods

Author(s): J. Fueyo, G. Fueyo, J. Cabezas, A. Cabezas, M. Rubio, P. Rubio, M. Domínguez

Publication: RILEM

Volume: 43

Issue: 4

Appears on pages(s): 463-474

Keywords: Glued-in rods, FEM, Timber structures

DOI:

Date: 4/6/2010

Abstract:
This paper reports a finite-element-based study of the reduction, using glued-in rods, of the perpendicular-to-grain stresses in the apex zone of curved beams in glulam structural timber members. Currently, the design of this type of elements is conducted using simplifying assumptions about the perpendicular-to-grain stress distribution in the apex zone, which start out from the calculation of the parallel-to-grain stress distribution and apply some corrector coefficients to it, confirmed by years of experience and studies. This work presents a practical approach, by conducting a numerical simulation of the behavior of these stresses in the apex zone with the presence of glued-in rods, which enables optimization in the design of this type of assembly. The finite element results demonstrate the importance of the features, number and positions of the glued-in rods.